Macbook Air/Pro Not Turning On But Charging? 13 Quick Fixes!

Is your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro causing you some headaches? Is MacBook not turning on but charging? Yes, it can be quite frustrating when your laptop refuses to turn on despite being connected to a charger. But fret not! You’re not alone in this struggle.

In this blog post, we’re going to tackle this common issue head-on and provide you with 13 quick and practical fixes to get your MacBook back on track. Whether it’s a minor software glitch or a more serious hardware problem, we’ve got you covered.

No matter your level of tech expertise, these solutions will walk you through the troubleshooting process of “MacBook charging but won’t turn on” in a step-by-step manner. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and bring your MacBook back to life in a jiffy!

How to Fix the Macbook Charging But Not Turning On Issue?

Solution 1: Check the Physical Connections

The first step in troubleshooting a MacBook that’s not turning on but charging is to check the physical connections. Sometimes, a loose connection can prevent the laptop from powering up. Follow these simple steps:

Ensure that the charger is securely plugged into both the MacBook and a power outlet.
Check the charging cable for any signs of damage or fraying. If found, consider replacing the cable.
Clean the charging ports on both the MacBook and the charger to remove any debris or dirt that may be obstructing the connection.

By verifying and securing the physical connections, you can eliminate any potential issues caused by loose or faulty connections. If this doesn’t solve the problem, don’t worry. There are several more solutions to explore to get your MacBook up and running again within no time.

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Solution 2: Disconnect External Devices

Another effective step to take when your MacBook not turning on but charging is to disconnect any external devices that are connected to it. External devices like USB drives, printers, scanners, and external displays can sometimes interfere with the normal startup process of your MacBook.

To troubleshoot this issue, start by disconnecting all external devices from your MacBook. This includes unplugging any USB drives, removing printer or scanner connections, and disconnecting external displays or monitors.

By removing these external devices, you eliminate the possibility of them causing any conflicts or issues during the startup process.

Once you have disconnected all external devices, ensure that your MacBook is powered off completely. You can do this by holding down the power button until your MacBook shuts down.

Solution 3: Reset SMC

If your MacBook is not turning on despite being charged, resetting the SMC can often resolve the issue. The SMC is responsible for managing various hardware functions on your MacBook, and resetting it can help reset power-related settings.

Here’s how to reset the SMC on different MacBook models to fix the MacBook charging but won’t turn on issue.

For MacBook models with a non-removable battery (MacBook Air, MacBook Pro with Retina display):

Shut down your MacBook.
Connect the MagSafe power adapter to your MacBook.
On the keyboard, press and hold the Shift, Control, and Option keys, along with the Power button, for about 10 seconds.

Release all the keys and the power button.
Press the power button to turn on your MacBook.

For MacBook models with a removable battery (older MacBook Pro models):

Shut down your MacBook.
Remove the battery.
Disconnect the MagSafe power adapter.
Press and hold the Power button for 5 seconds.
Reinsert the battery.
Reconnect the MagSafe power adapter.
Press the power button to turn on your MacBook.

After resetting the SMC, check if the “MacBook not turning on but charging” issue was resolved. If not, proceed to the next solution to continue troubleshooting the issue.

Solution 4: Inspect the Battery

When your MacBook refuses to turn on despite being charged, it’s important to take a closer look at the battery. Here’s what you can do:

Start by shutting down your MacBook and unplugging the charger.
Flip your MacBook over and locate the battery.

Take a careful look at the battery for any noticeable signs of damage, such as bulges, leaks, or corrosion.

If you spot any of these issues, it’s best to seek assistance from an authorized service center for battery replacement.

Solution 5: Perform a Power Cycle

When your MacBook seems unresponsive despite being charged, performing a power cycle can work wonders in resolving temporary glitches that might be causing the issue. Here’s what you can do to fix the “MacBook won’t turn on but is charging” issue:

Start by disconnecting the charger from your MacBook.
Press and hold down the power button for about 10 seconds until your MacBook completely shuts down.
Once you’ve released the power button, give it a moment and then reconnect the charger to your MacBook.
Now, it’s time to press the power button again to turn on your MacBook.
By performing this power cycle, you essentially give your MacBook a fresh start, allowing it to reset and clear any minor issues that may have been hindering its startup. It’s like a little reboot that can often do the trick.

If your MacBook still refuses to cooperate and turn on, don’t fret just yet. We have more solutions up our sleeve to help you get your MacBook back on track.

Solution 6: Check the Display for Faulty Screen

When your MacBook is not turning on but charging, it’s worth checking the display for any potential issues.

Here’s how you can troubleshoot a faulty screen:

First, take a close look at your MacBook’s display. Inspect it for any signs of physical damage like cracks or visible defects. Such damage can impact the screen’s functionality and prevent it from displaying properly.

Next, try adjusting the screen angle or brightness settings. Sometimes, a simple adjustment can make a difference and bring the display back to life.

If the internal display still doesn’t work, you can connect your MacBook to an external monitor or TV using the appropriate cable. This step helps determine if the issue lies with the MacBook’s internal display or elsewhere. If the external screen displays a clear image, it indicates a problem with the MacBook’s screen itself.

In case you notice physical damage or the external monitor doesn’t show a proper image, it’s best to seek professional assistance or reach out to Apple Support for further guidance on repairing or replacing the faulty screen.

Solution 7: Closely Inspect the Battery Flex Data Cable

Still stuck with the MacBook won’t turn on but is charging issue? Well, try this. If your MacBook is not turning on but charging, a possible culprit could be a faulty or damaged battery flex data cable.

To investigate this further, follow these steps:

Power off your MacBook and unplug the charger.
Carefully open the back cover of your MacBook.
Locate the battery flex data cable, which connects the battery to the logic board.

Examine the cable closely for any signs of damage, such as fraying or detachment from the connectors.
If you notice any issues with the cable, it’s advisable to take your MacBook to an authorized service center for professional repair.
The battery flex data cable plays a crucial role in supplying power to your MacBook. If it’s damaged or not properly connected, it can prevent the device from turning on. By inspecting this cable, you can identify any potential problems and take appropriate measures to resolve them.

If the battery flex data cable appears to be in good condition, move on to the next solution to continue troubleshooting the MacBook charging but not turning on the issue and pinpoint the cause of the problem.

Solution 8: Check for Faulty Keyboard

When your MacBook won’t turn on but is charging a faulty keyboard can sometimes be the culprit. Follow these steps to investigate this possibility:

Disconnect the charger from your MacBook and power it off.
Carefully clean the keyboard by using compressed air or a soft brush to remove any debris or dust that may be causing a malfunction.

Once you’ve cleaned the keyboard, reconnect the charger.
Press the power button to turn on your MacBook.
If a faulty keyboard was causing the issue, cleaning it could potentially resolve the problem. Dust or debris on the keyboard can interfere with the normal functioning of the power button or other keys, preventing your MacBook from turning on.

After cleaning the keyboard, try turning on your MacBook to see if it powers up successfully. If it still doesn’t turn on, it’s recommended to seek further assistance or consider additional troubleshooting steps to identify the root cause of the issue.

Let’s move on to the next solution to continue troubleshooting the MacBook not turning on but charging issue.

Solution 9: Check for Faulty Trackpad

In some cases, a faulty trackpad can contribute to your MacBook won’t turn on but is charging issues. Follow these steps to investigate if the trackpad is causing the issue:

Disconnect the charger from your MacBook and power it off.
Clean the trackpad using a soft cloth or a gentle cleaning solution to remove any dirt or residue that might affect its functionality.
Once you’ve cleaned the trackpad, reconnect the charger.
Press the power button to turn on your MacBook.
If a faulty trackpad was the underlying problem, cleaning it might help resolve the issue. Sometimes, dirt or debris on the trackpad surface can interfere with its operation and prevent the MacBook from powering on.

After cleaning the trackpad, try turning on your MacBook to see if it responds. If the issue persists and your MacBook still doesn’t turn on, it’s advisable to seek further assistance or consider additional troubleshooting steps to identify the root cause of the problem.

Solution 10: Check the RAM

If you are stuck with the MacBook not turning on but charging issue, a potential cause could be faulty or improperly seated RAM modules. Follow these steps to check the RAM:

Disconnect the charger from your MacBook and power it off.
Locate the RAM compartment on your MacBook. Refer to the user manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions on where to find it.
Carefully remove the RAM modules from their slots.
Inspect the RAM modules for any visible damage, such as bent pins or signs of corrosion.
Ensure that the RAM modules are securely and correctly seated in their slots. Gently press them down until you hear a click indicating they are properly in place.
Reconnect the charger and attempt to power on your MacBook.
If the issue was caused by loose or faulty RAM modules, reseating them properly can help resolve the problem. Sometimes, the RAM modules can become slightly dislodged or develop connectivity issues, preventing the MacBook from turning on.

After resetting the RAM modules, try powering on your MacBook to see if it boots up successfully. If the MacBook charging but not turning on issue persists, it’s advisable to seek further assistance or consider additional troubleshooting steps to identify the underlying cause.

Solution 11: Restore T2 Security Chip Firmware

If you’re encountering the frustrating issue of MacBook charging but won’t turn on and your device is equipped with the T2 security chip, there’s a potential solution to consider: restoring the firmware of the T2 chip.

The T2 security chip is responsible for various functions on your MacBook, including secure booting and encryption. Sometimes, firmware issues can prevent the MacBook from powering on properly.

Solution 12: Perform a Safe Boot

If your MacBook is not turning on but charging, performing a safe boot can help isolate and resolve any software-related issues that might be causing the problem.

Here’s how to do it:

Power off your MacBook and disconnect the charger.
Press the power button to turn on your MacBook.

Immediately press and hold the Shift key.
Continue holding the Shift key until you see the Apple logo or a progress bar on the screen.
Release the Shift key and allow your MacBook to boot up in safe mode.

During a safe boot, your MacBook will perform a basic startup, bypassing unnecessary extensions, login items, and other potential sources of software conflicts. This allows you to identify and troubleshoot any problematic software that may be preventing your MacBook from turning on normally. Check out the best Mac app removers.

Solution 13: Seek Professional Assistance

If you’ve tried the previous solutions and your MacBook still doesn’t turn on despite being charged, it may be time to seek professional assistance. Apple Authorized Service Providers or Apple Support can offer expert help in diagnosing and resolving complex hardware or software issues.

Reach out to Apple Support through their official website or contact an authorized service provider near you. Explain the problem you’re experiencing with your MacBook and the troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken.

They will guide you through additional troubleshooting measures or advise you on the best course of action.

Professional technicians have the knowledge, tools, and expertise to diagnose and repair intricate hardware or software problems. They can conduct in-depth diagnostics, perform repairs or component replacements, and ensure that your MacBook is functioning optimally.

Conclusion

Encountering a situation where your MacBook Air or Pro is not turning on despite being charged can be frustrating. However, with the 13 quick fixes mentioned in this blog, you have a range of troubleshooting options to explore and fix the MacBook won’t turn on but is a charging issue.

From checking physical connections and disconnecting external devices to resetting SMC and inspecting the battery, these solutions cover both software and hardware possibilities.

By exploring these quick fixes, you can increase the chances of resolving the issue and getting your MacBook back up and running. However, if the problem persists or if you’re uncertain about performing any of the solutions, it’s always recommended to reach out to Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider for expert assistance.

Good luck!

Priyanka Sharma

Priyanka is a tech enthusiast who likes to write about different kinds of topics in the tech industry. She has expertise in writing problem-solving guides related to Mac computers. You can find her on LinkedIn.

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